Chia or Flax Seed Egg Substitute for Vegan Baked Goods

If you are vegan or have a digestive system that is sensitive to eggs, then you have probably tried to use everything from applesauce to cooked oatmeal in recipes that traditionally call for eggs. All of these items definitely work depending on the recipe, but one of my favorite egg substitutes for vegan baking is chia or flax seeds!

Chia seeds and flax seeds are gluten-free, grain-free, and packed with digestion-friendly fiber and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making them an excellent option for anyone who wants a nutritious egg alternative. Best of all, chia or flax seed egg substitutes are incredibly easy to make!

• 1 Tbsp. Chia or Flax Seeds
• 3 Tbsp. Water

1. Grind chia or flax seeds into a fine meal. This can be done in a spice grinder, in a coffee grinder, or with a mortar and pestle. To create chia or flax seed meal in a food processor, you will probably need to use more than 1 Tbsp for the blades to catch the seeds. Simply use 1 Tbsp. of the seed meal and store the remainder in an airtight container in your freezer for 6 months to a year to avoid spoilage to due heat and oxygen exposure. (Hint: Ground flax or chia seed meal makes a great flour substitute as well!) Chia seeds and flax seeds are also available in meal form; however, I prefer to grind them myself to ensure freshness.
2. In a small bowl, mix 3 Tbsp of water into 1 Tbsp. of chia or flax seed meal with a whisk. Be sure to place seed meal in the bowl first to avoid clumping and stir briskly as you incorporate the water. Let the mixture sit in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, so that the seeds can absorb the water and form an egg-like texture. The longer the mixture sits, the thicker the consistency will be.

 

This recipe makes a single egg, but you can multiply the recipe to make as any chia or flax seed “eggs” as your recipe calls for. I recommend mixing up the chia or flax seed egg and letting it set up in the fridge while you gather the rest of the ingredients for your recipe. Chia or flax seed eggs are especially excellent in quickly baked breads and cakes like my moist and chocolatey Cacao Magic Paleo Bread. In Joy!